German WWII Luftwaffe Tropical Blue Tunic, Bleached

A fascinating and well service-worn example of a Luftwaffe blue tropical tunic, showing extensive and uneven fading consistent with long-term use in desert conditions. This particular tunic exhibits the distinctive characteristics of field or chemically-induced bleaching—likely a result of the common front-line practice among Luftwaffe and Army personnel in North Africa, where petrol or similar agents were used to artificially age uniforms and suggest prolonged service.

The tunic’s exterior has faded unevenly across the body, with striking contrasts in shade preserved in protected areas such as beneath the collar, under the pocket flaps, and along the inside of the front skirt. Patches of the original Luftwaffe blue remain visible in the armpit area and near the upper pockets, while the collar itself shows heavy wear from prolonged use.

Rank insignia fitted is that of a Hauptgefreiter, with yellow wool-piped slip-on shoulder boards. Each board retains a single rank pip, though traces suggest one pip has been removed from each—possibly indicating previous Oberfeldwebel status, though the reason for their removal remains unclear. Yellow-based collar tabs with three seagulls denote service in the flying or signals branch.

There is visible evidence of three award attachments to the upper right pocket, now removed, and a standard machine-embroidered Luftwaffe breast eagle is applied to the right chest. All buttons are of the removable type, in keeping with tropical service tunics.

A unique and evocative garment, offering strong visual appeal and an authentic glimpse into the realities of Luftwaffe service in harsh desert environments.

Ref; 84631